{"id":311,"date":"2015-07-10T12:35:00","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T12:35:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=311"},"modified":"2015-07-10T12:35:00","modified_gmt":"2015-07-10T12:35:00","slug":"legacy-of-the-guardians-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=311","title":{"rendered":"Legacy of the Guardians – Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 1<\/span><\/p>\n

The small listening station housed several people, bored as they listened to transmissions coming across the border. Things had been dull leaving the on-duty operator wishing he was anywhere but there. They all knew being bored meant good things, as nothing would be going on.<\/p>\n

The scanner operator hoped the peace would last, even though it meant boredom. He kept an eye on the monitor, which had not changed since he last looked at it. Of course the paperwork kept him busy, even though it came up with nothing. He filed reports of the normal traffic, typical broadcasts coming from the Skartian Empire. The news reports, which were almost the same as back home, murders, tragedies, and other such things. He wondered if the universe somehow made them all the same?<\/p>\n

Looking at the clock he knew the New Year was coming up, and hoped he could get some time off to go home. He had several of the holidays off this year, having worked it into his schedule. He would miss out on Halloween, which was all right, but he could celebrate the US Thanksgiving and Christmas.<\/p>\n

The monitor sprang to life indicating a new data stream. He looked over quickly running a check before frowning. This signal was being sent to Earth, and the source was unknown. He quickly checked the data, making sure everything was recording and marked it for further study, even while calling over his supervisor.<\/p>\n

The supervisor quickly sent the message off towards HQ, hoping they might make more sense of it than they could.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Admiral Jack \u2018Red Beard\u2019 Cave leaned back at his desk, stretching his back. Sitting too long at the desk made him wish for the old days when he sat in a fighter cockpit. Of course back then he did not have his beard, and his nickname was only Red due to the color of his hair. After leaving the cockpit, he grew a beard, and now had the pirate name, especially considering the fact his hair on top now had thinned out.<\/p>\n

He looked over at the computer, seeing that some activity had occurred. A signal had been intercepted, adding to a few others at other stations, all were the same, an unknown sender and headed towards Earth.<\/p>\n

He sighed, his hope had been for peace after the long war between humanity and the Skartians. The Skartian fleet had been destroyed near Pluto almost ten years ago, and the two had signed a peace treaty. Despite the treaty they both kept a close eye on each other. The distrust between them was noticeable to any other race. In face rarely would a Skartian and a human be in the same room together.<\/p>\n

He looked over at the budget, seeing it shrink even more. The governments back home were reducing their expenditures, and hiding the expenses of the program had become harder to do as more people dug deeper into the black projects. With the wars over, few wanted to keep the funds coming. At the moment the fleet had little else to do but keep everyone trained. They had lost some of their warriors, and getting new warriors was harder and harder. The younger generation did not seem to care.<\/p>\n

He still had a powerful fleet to protect Earth from any new invaders, and the latest ship, Seydlitz was nearing completion. Then he thought about the signal. He looked over the information, seeing that in the past year some seven signals had been sent out.<\/p>\n

He had a terrible feeling that something bad was about to happen. However he had no proof that anything would happen other than his gut. He trusted it, but could not go to the others with such information. They would want to know more, and the signals had yet to be deciphered. He did not want to be caught off guard again, like they had by the Skartians.<\/p>\n

The enemy had proven to be cunning, and powerful. They looked like a grey hairless person. They would have lost the war if not for a few timely advances in technology. Perhaps the greatest invention had been the neutron pulse cannon, or neupulse, which allowed them to fight the Skartians in space.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdmiral, sir!\u201d an aide said, running into his office. \u201cThe random signals, we intercepted another one, and this time, intel thinks they have broken the language used.\u201d<\/p>\n

That made Jack sit up straighter. \u201cLet me guess, a form of Skartian,\u201d he said, watching his aide nod his head in agreement. \u201cGreat,\u201d he said, rubbing the top of his head where he no longer had any hair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou keep doing that and you won\u2019t have any hair left, oh wait, you don\u2019t have any left there,\u201d a voice said from the doorway.<\/p>\n

Jack turned to look, seeing his friend, Steve standing there. \u201cHa-ha, very funny, a real comedian,\u201d Jack said to him, watching as he entered and sat down.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou looked to be in deep thought there,\u201d Steve said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, we\u2019ve got a problem,\u201d Jack said, looking at his friend. \u201cThose mysterious messages, its official, Skartian.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny idea as to what they are up to?\u201d Steve asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but whatever it is, I don\u2019t like it,\u201d Jack replied. \u201cI think we should increase the patrols and put the fleet on secondary alert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really think that\u2019s wise?\u201d Steve asked, his voice held concern. \u201cThe Skartians might view such a move as an act of war, or at the least a hostile action towards them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, however, haven\u2019t they started this one by sending secret signals to Earth?\u201d Jack replied to the question. \u201cI think that the Galactic Council would agree with us on this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably should let our ambassador know about this,\u201d Steve said, causing Jack to groan. The last thing he wanted to do was deal with him. The two of them did not get along at all, and hadn\u2019t for years. They were stationed aboard the Victory and from the moment they met, were at odds with each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like it, but for the sake of the council, yeah,\u201d Jack said. If he could somehow inform the council without informing him, he\u2019d be happy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll let him know,\u201d Steve said, knowing the animosity between the two of them. \u201cAfter all, it\u2019s easier if I handle it, that way I don\u2019t have to listen to any shouting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGee, thanks,\u201d Jack replied, watching as Steve walked out of the office. He turned back to the aide, still waiting patiently. \u201cGet the first and second patrol squads on alert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d the aide replied, giving a salute and walking out of the room to carry out the orders.<\/p>\n

The aide walked out of the room, leaving Jack. He wondered about the conversation he overheard, as he walked towards the command center.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Greg?\u201d a voice called out as he rounded the corner. He looked over to see Karen, his fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d he replied watching her make her way over. \u201cI\u2019m on my way up to main control room, gotta put the first and second patrol squadrons on alert.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What\u2019s going on?\u201d she asked, concerned about the situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if what I overheard was correct, the Skartians have been sending signals close to Earth again,\u201d Greg replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cSkartian? Are they sure?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, I hope it doesn\u2019t head back to war.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the Galactic Council, surely they can do something if the Skartians attack us,\u201d Karen stated, bringing up a hope they both knew was iffy at best.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Greg replied honestly. Sure he was the Admiral\u2019s aide, and he overheard many things, but there seemed to be so many problems.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, we\u2019ll have to keep an eye on them for the time being,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, hey, I\u2019ll see you in an hour, that\u2019s when I get off,\u201d Greg said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be waiting,\u201d she said, watching him head off towards the command room.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Randall Harrison sat in his office, Steve Terial was telling him about some new movements from the Skartians. He knew that such actions violated the peace treaty the two races had signed. He also hated to admit it, but Jack Cave was right about this one. The Skartians needed to be called out on the floor of the Council. He felt glad Steve called him and not Jack.<\/p>\n

\u201cSend me all the information, I\u2019ll inform the council tomorrow and see what reaction we get from the Skartian ambassador,\u201d Randall said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll get it for you. Try to get it quickly so you have time to read it over,\u201d Steve said, signing off.<\/p>\n

Randall drummed his fingers on the desk for a few moments trying to figure out what might be going on. He really hoped there was a simple explanation to the situation. Perhaps the documents might shed light on what was going on.<\/p>\n

The computer chimed, indicating he had mail. Randall looked over, seeing it was the information he requested. Putting on his reading glasses, and looking at the size of the file knew he would be up all night. Opening the file he walked over to his small kitchen, looked at the coffee pot, and grimaced. He tossed what was in there, and made a fresh pot. He would need it for the long night ahead.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

\u201cThis can\u2019t be right?\u201d a middle-aged man said, sitting in the command chair of the battlecruiser Moscow. He turned towards another man of Middle Eastern descent who look on questioningly.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong captain,\u201d Ahmed asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot a conformation request back in to HQ over this, they want us to begin patrolling the neutral zone again,\u2019 the captain said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe neutral zone, isn\u2019t that against the peace treaty?\u201d Ahmed asked, not sure what was going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, but if these orders are from Admiral Cave then something happened recently, or they think something is about to happen,\u201d the captain said. \u201cFought beside him twenty years ago, he always had a sixth sense with such things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ahmed looked on, then down at the screen as new orders came in. He read through it seeing it was no different than the previous order, but they were to go right away. \u201cShall I inform the ships sir?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019ll do it, thanks anyways,\u201d the captain replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir,\u201d Ahmed replied, watching the captain head over to the intercom and speak with the other captains. The Moscow had six escorts which made up the second patrol. Within the hour they had loaded up supplies and headed out towards the neutral zone.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Randell waited patiently as members of the Galactic Congress slowly entered the huge council chambers. He looked around trying to see if the Skartian ambassador would even show up today. He had been erratic at showing up, saying there were things for him to do, and the council was a waste of time.<\/p>\n

Randall, and a few others, figured the Skartians did not like the council because of the forced peace treaty between the humans and skartians. Randall had learned many on the council viewed the humans like the Skartians, warlike and violent. The only thing they saw as a difference, had been the humans so far had kept their word.<\/p>\n

Randall noticed the Skartian ambassador walk into the room, but did not even look over at Randall. The Skartian appeared nervous about something, at least to Randall. He wondered if it had anything to do with the mysterious messages being sent to Earth. He also wondered if the ambassador knew what he was about to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look lost in thought Ran Dall,\u201d a voice said, causing him to look over to see a familiar ambassador. The ambassador from ilder, Kinser, and the only one he knew who seemed to pronounce his name as two words.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou might say that,\u201d Randall said, looking back over at the Skartians as he sat down. \u201cHow are things on Ilder?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad, a few trade disagreements with one of our colonies, but as a while, things have been peaceful, how about you?\u201d Kinser replied cheerfully.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot as good, we\u2019ve had some activity from the Skartian boarder, I plan on bringing it up today,\u2019 Randall said, looking back over at Kinser.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen it should be an interesting session then,\u201d Kinser replied, sitting back in his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I guess so,\u2019 Randall replied, watching as more ambassadors made their way into the room. He also noticed that many of the ambassadors were in attendance, which would make things even better. The more to witness this, the better he thought.<\/p>\n

The president of the council got up and rattled on about the usual business, trade agreements and such. Randall noticed a large disagreement between the Utilil and the Hzans that threatened the entire economic stability of the Beta quadrant. A similar feud had erupted among the Wavery. Those two seemed to be the big agenda on the schedule, and Randall waited knowing he would drop another one. In the end neither one was solved, not unusual, but both sides were now talking to each other, some improvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe council has two grievances brought before it today, one by the Skartian Empire, the other by the Human delegation,\u201d the president said, after going through a few other things. Randall could almost heard the collective groan at the mentioning of the two races. \u201cThe council will hear the Skartian ambassador first, followed by the human ambassador.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randall could handle that, and it allowed him to hear what the Skartian had to say first. He looked over waiting to hear what type of information would come forth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has been a violation of the Skartian-Human peace Pact. Several hours ago I was informed by our outposts monitoring the neutral zone that a human fleet was near it,\u2019 the Skartian said, looking around the council which had gone silent. Some looked at the Skartian others looked over at Randall.<\/p>\n

He knew such actions would be viewed as an act of war. But he also knew some things the others did not, and waited patiently for his turn as the Skartian continued to speak.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe humans know that this is a violation of Section 53, Article 3 of the peace pact. As such I wish to demand, on behalf of my people, that the human race be punished and banned from the council,\u201d the Skartian said, his voice rising as he spoke. \u201cThey cannot be trusted, as we have said for years. Their true color are now about to show.\u201d<\/p>\n

Randall stood waiting for the outburst to die down, and the President to give the floor to him. Shifting the documents on his computer in front of him slightly, and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cFellow members,\u201d Randall began. \u201cThat which my Skartian counterpart claims, I will not deny. Yes, we have sent a military patrol to the neutral zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

His statement brought a huge buzz to the council room as the others whispered amongst themselves about the Sktartian claims. The Skartian ambassador was yelling once more for the humans to be banished. It took several seconds for the President to regain control.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmbassador, I hope you know the consequences of your statement,\u201d he said to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can assure you Mr. President, such actions were not taken lightly,\u201d Randall said. If I may be allowed to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d the President said. \u201cBut be mindful, you are in a dangerous area.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Randall said, hoping he had strong enough evidence. \u201cI would like to ask my Skartian ambassador if his race understands the consequences of their actions.\u201d He looked right at the ambassador, watching him flinch at the question. It answered a question that the ambassador knew what was going on. \u201cWe reacted to a violation done by the Skartians. It was them who violated the treaty first. As everyone knows we may have patrols ship in the neutral zone if we feel there may be a threat to our homeworld, section 53, article 9.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat has that got to do with anything?\u201d the Skartian said, yelling at him, anger in his words.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverything,\u201d Randall replied, maintaining a calm voice. \u201cWe intercepted Sktartian transmissions from Skartia to Earth, a clear violation of the treaty, I believe section 6 article 5, it prohibits the Skartian, race from making contact with Earth at all.\u201d They both knew why that was in the treaty.<\/p>\n

Lies, it\u2019s all lies,\u201d the Skartian yelled out. Randall could see his temper getting the best of him now.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis contact is considered a threat to our national security,\u201d Randall said, his own voice rising to be heard over the Skartian. The mood of the council appeared to show shock at the developing events.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey have no proof, let them bring forth the proof to show they are not liars, if not they should be banished,\u201d the Skartian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI second the motion in allowing the Human ambassador to bring forth proof,\u201d another ambassador said.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have evidence to back up such allegations?\u201d the president asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do,\u201d Randall said, handing a copy of the transcripts over to a guard, who took them up to the President.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well, the Security Council will look over the evidence of both sides, and a judgment will be handed down later on,\u201d the President said. \u201cIs that agreeable with both parties.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Randall said, having no problem with it.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, the humans should be immediately banished,\u201d the Skartian said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll discuss it, provided it is not determined they were in their right as a species, and considering previous contact with your race, everything shall be taken into account, \u201cthe President said.<\/p>\n

Randall watched as the Skartian stormed out of the room. He had the feeling something else was going on. He only hoped it was nothing bad.<\/p>\n

End part 1<\/p>\n

Continued in Part 2<\/a><\/p>\n

Comment below or send to AJMarks01@aol.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Legacy of the Guardians by AJ Marks Part 1 The small listening station housed several people, bored as they listened to transmissions coming across the border. Things had been dull leaving the on-duty operator wishing he was anywhere but there. They all knew being bored meant good things, as nothing would be going on. The […]
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